The latest NHS dentistry and oral health update included a reminder about the upcoming vaccine mandate for healthcare workers.

The update, issued by Sara Hurley, chief dental officer for England, and Ali Sparke, director for dentistry, community pharmacy, optometry and the NHS standard contract, reiterated previously shared information; “From April 1, 2022, amendments to the Health and Social Care Act regulations will mean that those working in dental practices aged 18 and over, who have direct, face to face contact with service users will be required to evidence that that they have received a complete course of a Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Covid-19 vaccine, subject to limited exceptions.

“This will include front-line workers, as well as non-clinical workers not directly involved in patient care but who nevertheless may have direct, face to-face contact with patients, such as receptionists and cleaners.”

In recent news, The Royal College of GPs has said that this deadline should be delayed, to prevent staff shortages, however The Department of Health said there were no plans to delay and it was "the right thing to do to protect patients".

The BBC has reported how some Conservative MPs recently called on Boris Johnson to rethink the policy.

“The prime minister told the House of Commons the plan was supported by the NHS and that healthcare workers had a ‘professional responsibility’ to get the jab”.

But he added, "We will reflect on the way ahead. We don't want to drive people out of the service."

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said front line staff looked after the most vulnerable people in society, who could face serious health consequences if exposed to the virus, adding, "Ensuring staff are vaccinated is the right thing to do to protect patients and those in care."

The British Dental Association have previously discussed the vaccine mandate, explaining, “With recruitment and retention problems already endemic among both dentists and the wider team, any exodus will have devastating consequences for patient access. The service is already facing unprecedented backlogs, with over 37 million NHS dental appointments lost since the first lockdown due to service shut-down and infection control measures.”

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